Maryland Daycare Employee, Dameon Patterson, Accused of Additional Child Abuse Offenses After Authorities Failed to Charge in 2021

BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD – Startling revelations have emerged regarding a child abuse scandal that has left parents in Howard and Baltimore County shocked and concerned for the safety of their children. It has come to light that a man entrusted with the care of children at Glenwood Country Day School in Woodbine, Maryland, was accused of sexually abusing a young girl over an extended period. What is more astonishing is that the accused employee, Dameon Patterson, had previously faced similar allegations three years prior in Baltimore County while employed at Padonia Park Child Centers in Cockeysville. Despite the allegations of abuse being reported, the authorities involved failed to take action, raising serious questions about the handling of the case.

The Disturbing Allegations of Child Sex Abuse At Glenwood Country Day School

According to an 11-year-old girl at Glenwood Country Day School, Patterson began sexually abusing her when she was only nine years old. After enduring two years of abuse, she bravely reported the incidents, leading to Patterson’s arrest in early January. Shockingly, he was released on bail, but his freedom was short-lived. Less than two weeks later, he found himself under arrest once again, this time for new accusations pertaining to 2021. During that period, Patterson was employed at Padonia Park Child Centers, another daycare facility in Baltimore County.

Daycare Sex Abuse Allegations Ignored in Baltimore County

At Padonia Park Child Centers, a nine-year-old girl came forward, alleging that Patterson had touched her inappropriately. The concerned parents immediately involved the relevant authorities, including Social Services and the police. The case was subsequently referred to the State’s Attorney’s Office, which inexplicably chose not to press charges against Patterson.

Charging documents from the Baltimore County case reveal harrowing details. The victim reported that the touching occurred “four times a day, every day she was there,” and she believed that no one else witnessed the abuse. The incidents took place after her other teacher had left for the day, while the other children were occupied with activities. The abuse would cease just before her parent was scheduled to pick her up. National studies have shown that false accusations by children account for less than 3% of reported cases, further validating the seriousness of the victim’s claims.

Howard County Police Take Action After Daycare Employee Accused of Child Sex Abuse

It wasn’t until Patterson’s arrest in Howard County in 2024 that the police made a shocking discovery. The detectives handling the case learned that Patterson had been under investigation in Baltimore County in 2021. Consequently, they reached out to the Baltimore County Police Department, leading to his subsequent arrest there. The lack of formal charges in 2021 meant that the accusations would not have appeared on a background check. However, the question arises: If the authorities had contacted Padonia Park Child Centers, would they have been aware of the previous accusations against Patterson?

Silence and Negligence Led to Additional Child Sex Crimes

Both Glenwood Country Day School and Padonia Park Child Centers have chosen not to respond to inquiries regarding the matter. Adding to the alarming turn of events, the Maryland Department of Education has clarified that child care facilities are not legally obligated to conduct reference checks on their employees.

Glenwood Country Day School Under Emergency Suspension For Failing to Report Abuse Charges

In response to the gravity of the situation, the state issued an emergency suspension on January 5, 2024, effectively shutting down Glenwood Country Day School. The school was required to cease all operations immediately due to its failure to notify the state Department of Education Office of Child Care about the ongoing criminal investigation involving one of its employees. Strangely, there is no indication of the suspension on the school’s website, leaving parents uninformed about its closure.

Distressed Parents Left in Dark About Sex Abuse Charges

One concerned mother shared her distressing experience this week. She had already paid for her child to attend summer camp at Glenwood, just as she had done the previous year. However, the school never contacted her to inform her about the accused abuse. It was only when she personally questioned her child that she discovered the truth. The mother, like others in a similar predicament, found out about the situation through the news. She is now awaiting a refund for the summer camp fee.

Tips for Child Safety from LifeBridge Health’s Center for Hope

Amidst the growing concerns about daycare child abuse, Adam Rosenberg from LifeBridge Health’s Center for Hope emphasized the need for parents and child care facilities to prioritize child protection. Rosenberg acknowledged that child predators often seek employment in places like preschools and daycares where children are present. However, he stressed that creating an environment where no child is left unattended, ensuring constant supervision, and providing comprehensive education on appropriate behavior can make potential abusers uncomfortable and less likely to succeed.

Strengthening Child Safety: Empowering Parents and Enhancing Accountability in the Wake of a Daycare Child Abuse

Rosenberg emphasized the importance of parents engaging in conversations with their children about abuse, normalizing child safety and protection as they would other safety measures. Additionally, he underscored the responsibility of child care facilities to create safe spaces for children.

As this shocking child abuse scandal continues to unfold, parents and child care facilities must remain vigilant to ensure the safety and well-being of children in their care. The failure to act on previous accusations against Patterson and the subsequent mishandling of the case highlights the need for improved oversight and stringent measures to protect children from potential predators.

Exploring Legal Options for Child Sex Abuse Victims in Maryland

In response to the recent uptick in daycare child abuse, it is crucial to spotlight the legal options available to victims and their families. Attorney Laurence Banville sat down with Aaron Blank, Esq., an experienced sexual abuse lawyer based in Maryland. Together, they discuss the various legal options for pursuing civil cases against liable parties, including daycares and early learning centers. Discover the importance of holding institutions accountable, understanding the statute of limitations, and seeking justice for survivors of child sex abuse. Gain valuable insights into the legal process and empower those affected to take action and work towards a safer future.

Laurence Banville (LB): Thank you for joining us, Aaron. In light of the recent child abuse scandal, we want to discuss the legal recourse available to sex abuse victims and their families. Specifically, what options do they have for pursuing civil cases against liable parties, including daycares and early learning centers?

Aaron Blank, Esq. (AB): Thank you, Laurence. It’s crucial to address the legal avenues available to victims and their families in cases of child sexual abuse. Civil litigation can provide a means to seek justice and hold responsible parties accountable. In Maryland, victims of child sex abuse generally have a few potential avenues to pursue their claims.

LB: Could you elaborate on those avenues, Aaron?

AB: Certainly, Laurence. The first option is to file a civil lawsuit against the individual perpetrator. This allows victims to seek compensation for the harm they have suffered, including medical expenses, therapy costs, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from the abuse.

The second option involves holding institutions, such as daycares or early learning centers, accountable for their negligence. If it can be proven that the institution failed to take reasonable steps to protect children from abuse or failed to respond appropriately to reports of abuse, they may be held liable for their actions or inaction.

LB: That’s an important point, Aaron. How can victims and their families establish liability on the part of these institutions?

AB: Establishing liability typically requires demonstrating that the institution had a duty of care towards the victim, that they breached that duty, and that the breach directly resulted in the harm suffered by the victim. This can involve showing that the institution failed to properly screen employees, neglected to respond to reports of abuse, or lacked adequate policies and procedures to prevent abuse.

LB: What about cases where the abuse occurred in the past, and the statute of limitations may have expired?

AB: In Maryland, there have been significant changes to the statute of limitations for child sex abuse cases. The passage of the Child Sexual Abuse Statute of Limitations Reform and Revival Act in 2017 provides a window of opportunity for past victims to come forward and seek justice. It’s important for victims and their families to consult with an experienced attorney to understand their rights and options, even if the abuse occurred years ago.

LB: Thank you for sharing these legal options, Aaron. What else would you say to victims and their families who may be considering pursuing civil cases?

AB: To seek legal counsel from an attorney experienced in handling child sexual abuse cases. These cases can be complex and emotionally challenging, and having a compassionate and knowledgeable advocate by your side is crucial. Additionally, it’s important to act promptly, as there may be time limitations to file a claim. Most importantly, victims and their families should prioritize their healing and well-being throughout the legal process.

LB: Thank you, Aaron, for sharing your insights and expertise on this important topic. We hope this conversation provides valuable information to those affected by child sex abuse in Maryland.

Aaron Blank, Esq.: It was my pleasure, Laurence. Raising awareness and supporting victims is of utmost importance. Together, we can work towards a safer future for children and ensure justice is served.

Empowering Daycare Abuse Survivors: Contact Us for a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has been a victim of child sex abuse, we understand the complexities and challenges you may be facing. Our team of compassionate attorneys is here to support you. Contact us today for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal options. We are committed to empowering survivors, holding responsible parties accountable, and seeking justice on your behalf. You don’t have to face this journey alone. Reach out to us and take the first step towards healing and reclaiming your rights.